NEW YORK (CNNMoney) - Steve Bannon is no longer a grim reaper on "Saturday Night Live."

Bill Murray surprised audiences on NBC's variety show on Saturday night debuting in the show's opening sketch as former Trump White House chief strategist, Bannon. Saturday's episode was the first of 2018.

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In the past, a cast member didn't play Bannon, instead having the political figure played by a grim reaper character with a skull face mask. On Saturday night, during an "Morning Joe" segment, Murray came out in a black hood to big cheers from the audience.

"The Bannon magic is still out there," Murray as Bannon said. "Magic. Magic. The king maker! The Bannon dynasty is dawning."

But Murray's Bannon was steadfast that he would one day again return to the political world.

"I convinced this country to elect Donald and I can do it again," Murray's Bannon said. "I'm already auditioning candidates and prospects like Logan Paul, Martin Shkreli, the Subway guy. He's back. He's electable."